Dumb Ways To Die

Currently, the number one game on the iOS App Store isn't Candy Crush Saga or Running with Friends. It's Dumb Ways to Die, a collection of mini-games inspired by a YouTube video with over 47 million views. Think of Nintendo's WarioWare but significantly more violent. We just wish there was more content.

The concept involves completing a series of short mini-games through touch, tilt and even blowing into the iPhone and iPad; fortunately, you can switch off the latter. Each segment involves rescuing a character from an untimely demise. Successfully squirting mustard onto a hotdog prevents someone from getting bitten by a snake. Spelling the word "patience" as quickly as possible, meanwhile, allows a character to safely cross tracks without getting hit by a train; yet another asks you to clean vomit off the screen (this one's gross).

Make it past the initial rounds and the speed increases, to the point where you simply won't be able to tap fast enough or tilt to maintain balance. Lose all three lives, and you restart from the beginning.

Dumb Ways to Die was clearly designed with casual players in mind, as it only takes a minute or so to croak (maybe less), depending how good you are. It's addictive, no question, but there's a considerable lack of games. You'll basically see everything the app has to offer in roughly 30-45 minutes. That said, the option to unlock characters as well as the aforementioned video (though it is readily available on YouTube) will keep you playing for a little while longer. That, and the absurdity of watching a snake bite someone's eyeball.

Download Dumb Ways to Die: iOS